Italian Lakes holidays - travel guide - activities & sights

The northern area of the lake is well known as one of the European capitals of this sport, attracting a huge number of windsurfers and its where important competitions and championships take place. You don't need to be an expert to take the plunge, but you do need to know that there are two kinds of wind you can surf: the northern wind or Ora, in the afternoon in Torbole or Riva, then there's the southern wind or Peler, very early in the morning.

You'd expect the largest body of fresh water in Italy to offer innumerable opportunities for sailing, and it doesn't disappoint. All around the lake there are sailing clubs and opportunities to take a dingy out, but look out for those irregular winds.

A lot of golfers come to lake Garda to play golf in this unique environment. In the hills surrounding the lake in Marciaga near Garda there are numerous and prestigious golf courses. And around Desenzano and SalÀú you'll find quieter, more discrete courses.

The northern lake offers an entire series of mountain bike excursions: on Monte Brione; on the marvellous trail that leads to the small resort of Campi, where daring Downhill bikers used to race in the famous "Adrenalina Dangerous Downhill"; the marvellous single tracks on Monte Baldo or Monte Stivo; or the more peaceful excursions in the magnificent olive groves of Arco. In addition, there is Valle di Ledro (Ledro Valley), where everything is magic and beauty.

There are no sandy beaches around Lake Garda, however you will find pebbly beaches and grassy areas. A large beach called Spiaggi Sabbioni can be found in Riva del Garda and there are smaller beaches at Malcesine and Limone.

This romantic town lies on the southern shores of Lake Garda on a small peninsula. Narrow cobbled streets entwine around the castle which dominates the town. It is a popular day trip destination and is home to the ruins of a large Roman villa 'Grotte di Catullo'. It is also a spa town where natural hot springs originate from beneath the lake. During the day the panoramic view of the lake from here is second to none and by night becomes truly enchanting.

Arco is a picturesque, elegant health resort set amidst steep cliffs in the Sacra Valley. The Old Town is bursting with beautiful palaces and wrought iron pavilions. The outstanding landmark remains the fortress, now in ruins, set on the steep cliff overlooking Arco. This is a popular starting point for cyclists and walkers and is home to a music festival every June.